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About Starch Pet Hospital

Starch Pet Hospital has been a member of the Drake Community since 1948 when Dr. Cyrus Starch started the hospital at 2103 Forest Avenue. In 1992, he sold the practice to Dr. Brian Martz and Dr. Michael Henning, a couple of Iowa natives who had been practicing in the Chicago area. In 1996, Drs. Martz and Henning built a new clinic at 2222 University Avenue. This new clinic, outfitted with all of the latest equipment and technology, allows us to provide the highest quality veterinary care available in the Des Moines area.

We are a full service veterinary medical facility, offering a comprehensive suite of services designed to support our patients as they navigate through each stage of life. From the first round of vaccinations for your new puppy or kitten to weight control and advanced diagnostics to monitor your adult cat or dog’s ongoing health, to specialized geriatric care to extend and improve the quality of your senior pet’s life. We want to be with you – every step of the way – to deliver the precise care your pet needs, at the exact moment it’s needed, for optimum results throughout his or her life.

What sets Starch Pet Hospital apart isn’t our extensive list of animal health services, nor is it our state of the art facility. It’s not even our highly skilled, experienced team of vets, technicians, assistants and other support personnel. What truly makes us different, and the reason we’ve had the privilege of serving generations of local pet owners is the way we place our clients and patients as our highest priority. With us, you’re not just a number – you are an integral part of who we are and our most cherished asset.

When you become a part of the Starch Pet Hospital family, you’ll notice right away the level of compassion and respect with which you and your pet will be treated. We’ll always take the time to answer your questions and discuss your concerns. As your pet’s caretaker, you are the most important person in their life, and as such, should play an active role as part of their healthcare team. We are committed to providing you with all of the education, tools, and support you need to keep your cherished companion happy and healthy for as many years as possible.

In addition to our dedication to our patients, we also feel strongly about giving back to the community in which we live and work. We work with the Des Moines Police Department vice, bomb and patrol dogs, as well as the Des Moines ATF canines. We also provide veterinary care to all greyhounds coming off the track who will eventually be taken in by Heartland Greyhound Association. We are active in community events such as the first annual DSMove event that gave local residents and businesses the chance to get out and meet each other.

At Starch Pet Hospital, we’re more than just veterinary professionals. Beyond all of our education, experience, and accolades, each one of us is a loving pet parent. We have our own furry family members with whom we share our lives. We pledge to treat each and every patient we serve with the same level of care we would if they were our very own.

If you’re new to the Des Moines area, recently adopted a new dog, cat or pocket pet, or are just searching for a vet that will treat you and your companion with the care and respect you both deserve, we invite you to come by and give us a try! We look forward to meeting you and hope for the opportunity to serve you both for many years to come.